Sunday, March 14, 2010

Now that we know who definitely declared for the draft, the post season all star games and the scouting combine are over, here is the current list of the top 7 prospects at all the positions. * Denotes a player either coming off of a serious injury, or considered a injury risk, and that definitely affects how they are ranked currently.Right next to them is the NFL player player I think they most resemble if they are a hit.

OFFENSE

QB- Lockers decision to go back to school helps Clausen , but especially McCoy a lot. Some QB needy team may reach for Colt earlier than they would have now. A healthy bulked up Bradford is is still looking like the #1 pick,

Spiller and Best are homerun hitters, but Mathews has emerged as the best every down possibility. Most teams are using tandem RB's, and sometime even a trio to carry the load. A deep class ,but its highly unlikely any go in the top 10( though Spiller deserves to) ,and more than 2 in the 1rst round would be a shocker.

WR- Unless someone runs a really fast 40 time I don't expect anyone to go in the top 10 here either. There is no Calvin Johnson(once a decade prospect) type that teams will be salivating over in this draft ,but there are a lot of possible # 1 receivers.

TE- Complete TE's are getting hard to find these days.More teams are looking for that receiving option that can create matchup problems for opposing defenses.With the 2 biggest prospects coming off season long injuries,and the likelihood that a team can get a good TE later in the draft, it looks like at most 1 of these guys will go in the 1rst round . A deep position with good value all the way into the later rounds.With FB being a near dead postion, a lot of these guys have H-back / FB roles to fill as well.

OT- A talented group with a lot of guys who are more projectable, than there are current elite prospects. A lot of depth with the possibility of as many as 6 1rst rounders . The big question is which ones can actually protect the QB's blindside?

C- The QB's of the O-line have seen a renewed appreciation in the draft in recent years. Often versatile players than can also play guard, but there is no Nick Mangold or even Alex Mack in this years class. The senior bowl is usually the best chance for these guys to rise up draft boards, but the possible junior entry's are the best chance for someone to sneak into the bottom of the 1rst round .Also listed are players I think might be a good fit at center, even if they lack experience there.

D-line-With so many guys being possible 3-4 converts I thought it would be wise to split them up into each scheme and rank them accordingly. Some players may be ranked in more than one scheme category. Workouts and all star games will sort out what guys teams think can be converted and how quickly. but this is my preliminary estimate. The D-line is the deepest area of the draft this season, with 10-14 players that will probably go in the first 2 rounds on the D-line alone . A lot of guys who can rush the passer from somewhere.

4-3 DT- A deep class with 2 probable top 5 picks and anywhere from 3 to 6 players likely to go in the 1rst round this year. The come in all shapes, sizes , scheme diversity, and many may be able to play 3- 4 end as well. Add that 6 of them are 1rst round talents, and 8 are possible in the first 2 rounds, and it makes this a really good year if you need a DT.

3/4 NT- Probably the hardest position to fill on the defensive line.The different types of 3-4 make it possible to have smaller guys at the nose these days, but their just aren't a lot of Albert Haynesworth's , Haloti Ngata's, and Shaun Rogers in the world.Teams are often willing to settle for a big guy that can occupy blockers and clog lanes on running downs.

4-3 DE's-A lot of college DE's are just too small right now to be more than situational pass rushers and must either get bigger or switch to OLB. 2-way 4-3 DE's are getting increasingly harder to find.

CB- One premier player and a lot of talent, but all but Joe Haden have some questions.A lot of possible value in the bottom of the first and top of the 2nd round. Still possibly a deep position this year though.

Safety- A very versatile deep class at the top with probably 6-8 guys going off the board in the first 2 rounds. As close to a surefire pro bowler that a draft can have in Berry. Some of these guys can play both safety positions. Some might be able to play corner , and a few could probably play weakside LB.

ILB- These guys are generally the QB's of the defense. Leadership, high football IQ's and toughness are necessary. Not usually a high priority in the draft, but here are a couple of possible 1rst rounders this year.Some college Outside LB's listed here becuase I think they could also play inside with some time there.

4-3 OLB- Usually speedy guys that can cover and chase down plays. Some weak side OLB's are like big safeties. Some strong side backers are DE size and need to take on a lot of blocks. Both need to be able to blitz at times.